U.S. patent number 6,041,226 [Application Number 08/947,590] was granted by the patent office on 2000-03-21 for method and apparatus for monitoring subscriber talk-around usage.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Motorola, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian K. Bunkenburg, Mark L. Shaughnessy, John P. Skoro, III.
United States Patent |
6,041,226 |
Skoro, III , et al. |
March 21, 2000 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring subscriber talk-around
usage
Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring a subscriber unit's use of
a talk-around mode is accomplished when detection of a subscriber
unit's selection, and subsequent deselection, of the talk-around
mode occurs. Indications of the selection, and subsequent
deselection, of the talk-around mode are provided to a monitoring
entity (16). The monitoring entity (16) determines the subscriber
unit's usage of the talk-around mode based on the indications. From
the usage of the talk-around mode, an appropriate fee for such
service can be obtained. Alternatively, the monitoring entity may
be provided with usage information, which is used to establish the
appropriate fee.
Inventors: |
Skoro, III; John P. (Plano,
TX), Bunkenburg; Brian K. (Glen Ellyn, IL), Shaughnessy;
Mark L. (Algonquin, IL) |
Assignee: |
Motorola, Inc. (Schaumburg,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
25486365 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/947,590 |
Filed: |
October 9, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/405;
455/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
15/00 (20130101); H04M 15/47 (20130101); H04W
76/45 (20180201); H04W 4/10 (20130101); H04M
2215/0148 (20130101); H04W 4/24 (20130101); H04M
2215/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04Q
7/38 (20060101); H04M 15/00 (20060101); H04Q
007/20 () |
Field of
Search: |
;455/405,406,15,509,524,515 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hunter; Daniel S.
Assistant Examiner: Wyche; Myron K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Moreno; Christopher P. Lukasik;
Susan L. Santema; Steven R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for monitoring subscriber talk-around usage, the method
comprising the steps of:
detecting selection of talk-around mode for a subscriber unit;
providing an indication of the selection of the talk-around mode to
a monitoring entity; and
determining, by the monitoring entity, usage of the talk-around
mode by the subscriber unit by monitoring at least one of: elapsed
time of the usage of the talk-around mode, quantity of
transmissions initiated while in the talk-around mode, and time of
day of the usage of the talk-around mode.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting selection of
the talk-around mode by at least one of: the subscriber unit, a
system administrator, and a second subscriber unit.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing the
indication via at least one of: a control channel transmission and
a data packet transmission.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing identity of
the subscriber unit as at least part of the indication.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining, by the
subscriber unit, the usage of the talk-around mode and providing a
message to the monitoring entity regarding the usage of the
talk-around mode as determined by the subscriber unit.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining the usage
of the talk-around mode by at least one of: a system controller, a
system administrator, and a second subscriber unit.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing, by the
subscriber unit, an end-of-talk-around message to the monitoring
entity and utilizing, by the monitoring entity, the
end-of-talk-around message to determine the usage of the
talk-around mode.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising allocating a fixed
service fee for the usage of the talk-around mode when the
indication was received by the monitoring entity within a period of
time.
9. A method for monitoring subscriber talk-around usage, the method
comprising the steps of:
detecting selection of talk-around mode by a subscriber unit;
monitoring, by the subscriber unit, usage of the talk-around mode
by the subscriber unit; by monitoring at least one of: elapsed time
of the usage of the talk-around mode, quantity of transmissions
initiated while in the talk-around mode, and time of day of the
usage of the talk-around mode; and
sending an indication of the usage of the talk-around mode to a
monitoring entity.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising sending the indication
when at least one of: exiting the talk-around mode, at intervals
during the usage of the talk-around mode, and requested by the
monitoring entity, has occurred.
11. The method of claim 9 further comprising sending the indication
to at least one of: a system controller, a system administrator,
and a second subscriber unit.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising, determining the usage
of the talk-around mode based on at least one: elapsed time of the
usage of the talk-around mode, quantity of transmissions initiated
while in the talk-around mode, and time of day of the usage of the
talk-around mode.
13. The method of claim 9 further comprising monitoring, by the
subscriber unit, the usage of the talk-around mode by a group of
subscriber units.
14. A method for determining usage of talk-around mode by a
subscriber unit, the method comprising the steps of:
monitoring for a response regarding the talk-around mode of the
subscriber unit; and
when the response is detected, determining usage of the talk-around
mode by the subscriber unit based on an elapsed time of the usage
of the talk-around mode.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving the
response from at least one of: the subscriber unit, a second
subscriber unit, and a system administrator.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising, receiving, as the
response, at least one of: a start and end-of-talk-around messages
and information regarding the usage of the talk-around mode.
17. A subscriber unit operable in a talk-around mode, the
subscriber unit comprising:
a radio frequency transceiver that transceives talk-around mode
information with a monitoring entity;
a processing unit operably coupled to the radio frequency
transceiver; and
a memory operably coupled to the processing unit, the memory
storing programming instructions executable by the processing unit,
the processing unit being operable, upon execution of the
programming instructions, to determine usage of the talk-around
mode by the subscriber unit by monitoring at least one of: elapsed
time of the usage of the talk-around mode and time of day of the
usage of the talk-around mode.
18. A monitoring entity for monitoring a subscriber unit's usage of
a talk-around mode, the monitoring entity comprising:
a processing unit adapted to receive talk-around mode information
from a subscriber unit; and
a memory operably coupled to the processing unit, the memory
storing programming instructions executable by the processing unit
in response to the processor receiving the talk-around information
from the subscriber unit, the processing unit being operable, upon
execution of the programming instructions, to determine an elapsed
time of usage of the talk-around mode by the subscriber unit.
19. The monitoring entity of claim 18 wherein the processing unit
is not another subscriber unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to wireless communication
systems and more particularly to monitoring use of a talk-around or
direct mode.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Communication systems are known to include a system controller, a
plurality of base station controllers, a plurality of base
stations, and a plurality of subscriber units. In operation, the
system controller processes communication requests to and from the
subscriber units. For a subscriber unit initiated service request,
the particular subscriber unit transmits an inbound signaling word
over a control channel to a base station. The base station, which
is in the same geographic area as the subscriber unit, transmits
the request of the subscriber unit to the system controller. The
system controller processes the request and determines whether it
can be handled locally or whether it needs to be routed to a
communication network. If the request can be handled locally, the
system controller processes the request by granting the subscriber
unit access to a voice or data communication channel. Having been
granted access to the communication channel, the subscriber unit
performs the requested service, which may be a telephone call to a
wireless or wireline telephone, a data packet transmission,
call-waiting, or any other type of radio communication service
(including group dispatch).
In wireless communication systems, a majority of communications
occur over RF (radio frequency) communication channels between the
subscriber units and the base stations. Other communications within
the wireless communication systems, however, are just between
subscriber units, which method of operation is referred to as
talk-around or direct mode. In a talk-around mode, the subscriber
units communicate directly to each other over a dedicated RF
transmission path. Such a talk-around mode is useful in many
situations. For example, construction workers at a particular site
would use the talk-around mode to communication with each other
locally (i.e., without having to communicate through the system).
To enter the talk-around mode, each of the construction workers
switch their subscriber units into a talk-around mode via a select
mode switch or key pad entry.
While the talk-around mode works well for end-users (e.g. the
construction workers), service providers of a shared system (i.e.,
same communication infrastructure is used by subscriber units of
the service providers) often don't provide the talk-around mode
option because there isn't a mechanism for monitoring usage of the
talk-around mode. Without a mechanism for monitoring usage of the
talk-around mode, service providers of a shared system have no
means for obtaining revenue from subscriber units for their usage
of the talk-around option. Therefore, a need exists for a method
and apparatus that allows service providers of a shared system to
obtain revenue from subscriber units for their usage of talk-around
mode by subscriber units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a communication
system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a monitoring entity
and a subscriber unit in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for monitoring a
subscriber unit's use of a talk-around mode in accordance with the
present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting another method for
monitoring a subscriber unit's usage of a talk-around mode in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for a subscriber
unit to monitor its usage or usage by another subscriber unit of a
talk-around mode in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for a monitoring
entity to monitor usage of a talk-around mode by a subscriber unit
in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus
for monitoring a subscriber unit's use of a talk-around mode. This
is accomplished by detection of a subscriber unit's selection, and
subsequent deselection, of the talk-around mode. Indications of the
selection, and subsequent deselection, of the talk-around mode are
provided to a monitoring entity. The monitoring entity determines
the subscriber unit's usage of the talk-around mode based on the
indications. From the usage of the talk-around mode, an appropriate
fee for such service can be obtained. Alternatively, the monitoring
entity may be provided with usage information, which is used to
establish an appropriate fee. With such a method and apparatus,
service providers of a shared wireless communication can now offer
their subscriber units the option of talk-around and be able to
collect the appropriate revenue for the service.
The present invention can be more fully described with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 6. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of
a communication system 10 that includes a system controller 12, a
system administrator 14, a monitoring entity 16 (which is
optionally a separate device), a plurality of base station
controllers 18, 20, 22, a plurality of base stations 24, 26, 28,
and a plurality of subscriber units SU 1, SU 2, SU 3, SU 4. The
system controller 12 provides control over the operation of the
communication system 10 in a particular geographic region. Each of
the base station controllers 18, 20 and 22 are located throughout
the geographic region and subsections thereof. Each base station
controller 18, 20, and 22, has affiliated therewith a plurality of
base stations 24, 26 and 28 that are distributed throughout the
region. Each of the base stations has affiliated therewith a
plurality of communication channels 30, 32, 34. Of the
communication channels, one is dedicated as a control channel 30,
which is used to communicate operational data between the
subscriber units and the base stations.
The system administrator 14, which may be a stand-alone computer,
provides system administrative functions to the overall
communication system 10. For example, the system administration
functions include, but are not limited to, enabling or disabling
services that a subscriber unit may access, adding subscriber units
to the system, and deleting subscriber units to the system.
The monitoring entity 16 monitors usage of the talk-around mode by
subscriber units and calculates the appropriate fees for such
usage. The monitoring entity 16 determines the usage of the talk
around mode in a variety of ways. One way is for the monitoring
entity to receive an indication of a subscriber unit entering the
talk-around mode and an indication when the subscriber unit exits
the talk-around mode. Based on such indications, the monitoring
entity determines the usage. Another way is for the monitoring
entity to receive a message that indicates the usage of the
talk-around mode by a subscriber unit. The message is received from
the subscriber unit, the system administrator, or a second
subscriber unit. Note that the monitoring entity 16 may be a
stand-alone computer or incorporated in the system administrator
14, another subscriber unit, or the system controller 12.
As shown in FIG. 1, subscriber units SU 3 and SU 4 are in the
talk-around mode. In the talk-around mode, subscriber units SU 3
and SU 4 communicate directly over an RF communication path, as
opposed to using the communication channels 32, 34 affiliated with
the base station 26. To provide an indication that the subscriber
units are in a talk-around mode, the subscriber units may do so via
a control channel transmission 36 or a data packet transmission 38.
Note that subscriber unit SU 3 may provide the indication of the
talk-around mode for itself only or for itself and subscriber unit
SU 4. Alternatively, subscriber unit SU 4 provides the indication
of the talk-around mode for itself, or for itself and subscriber
unit SU 3. Further note that other subscriber units may be involved
in the talk-around mode wherein each of the subscriber units may in
a particular group provide their own indication of the talk-around
mode, or one of the subscriber units may be designated as the
representative unit providing indications of the talk-around made
for the particular group.
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of subscriber units SU
1 through SU 4 and the monitoring entity 16. Subscriber units SU 1
through SU 4 include an RF transceiver 50, a processing unit 52,
and memory 54. The processing unit 52, which may comprise a
microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, or any other device, or combination of devices, that
processes digital information based on programming instructions,
operates in accordance with the programming instructions stored in
memory 54. The memory 54 may comprise read-only memory (ROM),
random access memory (RAM), electronically programmable read-only
memory, floppy disk memory, hard disk memory, DVD memory, CD
(compact disc) memory, or any other means, or combination of means,
for storing digital information.
When executing the programming instructions stored in memory 54,
the processing unit 52 functions as a determiner 58, and a detector
60. The processing unit 52, in another embodiment, further
functions as a circuit for providing an end of talk-around message
56, and an indication circuit 62. The detector 60 functions to
detect when the subscriber unit has entered the talk-around mode,
and the determiner 58 determines usage of the talk-around mode. The
usage of the talk-around mode is subsequently provided to the
monitoring entity.
In the alternative embodiment, the detector 60 detects selection of
the talk-around mode. The determiner 58 determines that the
subscriber unit is currently using the talk-around mode. The end of
talk-around messaging circuit 56 generates a message when the
subscriber unit exits the talk-around mode. The indication circuit
62 provides an indication to the monitoring entity 16 that the
subscriber unit is in the talk-around mode. A more detailed
discussion of the functionality of circuits 56-62 will be discussed
with reference to FIGS. 3-5.
The subscriber units SU 1 through SU 4 provide talk-around mode
information to the monitoring entity 16. The talk-around mode
information includes an indication that the subscriber unit, and
possibly other subscriber units, has entered the talk-around mode.
Additionally, the talk-around mode information provides an
indication that the talk-around mode has ended. Alternatively, the
talk-around mode information indicates the duration of use of the
talk-around mode, quantity of talk-around transmissions, or elapsed
time of active communications. From the talk-around mode
information, the monitoring entity 16 determines the usage of the
talk-around mode and the appropriate fee to charge the operator of
the subscriber units. By monitoring the usage of the talk-around
mode in this manner, service providers can obtain revenue for the
use of the talk-around mode.
The monitoring entity 16 can be a separate computing device,
incorporated in the system controller 12, incorporated in another
subscriber unit, or incorporated in the system administrator 14.
The monitoring entity 16 includes an interface 64, a processing
unit 66, and memory 68. The processing unit 66 may comprise a
microprocessor, a micro-controller, a central processing unit, a
digital signal processor, a micro-controller, or any other device,
or combination of devices, that manipulates digital information
based on programming instructions. The memory 68 may comprise
read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electronically
programmable read-only memory, floppy disk memory, hard disk
memory, DVD memory, CD memory, or any other means, or combination
of means, for storing digital information.
The processing unit 66 operates in accordance with the programming
instructions stored in memory 68 to function as a monitoring
circuit 70, a receiver 72, and a determiner 74. The receiver 72
receives talk-around mode information pertaining to a subscriber's
use of the talk-around mode via the interface 64, which is a radio
frequency transceiver or a radio frequency receiver. The monitoring
circuit 70 monitors for an indication of usage or data relating to
usage, which is included in the talk-around mode information,
regarding a subscriber unit's use of the talk-around mode. The
determiner 74 determines the amount of usage of the talk-around
mode. Once the determiner 74 has determined the usage of the
talk-around mode, a fee for such services can be readily obtained.
A detailed discussion of the functionality of circuit 70 through 74
will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method that is
performed by the monitoring entity to monitor usage of the
talk-around mode by a subscriber unit. The process begins at step
80 where the selection of the talk-around mode by a subscriber unit
is detected. The detection of the talk-around mode is done by the
subscriber unit itself, by another subscriber unit that has been
designated to serve as a group leader for a group of subscriber
units, or by the system administrator. Regardless of which device
detects the selection of the talk-around mode, the process proceeds
to step 82. At step 82, an indication of the talk-around mode is
provided to a monitoring entity. The indication includes the
identification code of the subscriber unit and is sent via a
control channel transmission or a data packet transmission. When
the indication is provided as a data packet transmission, it is
done over a communication channel that has been dedicated for data
traffic or a voice channel that is sometimes used for data traffic.
Note that when the system administrator is detecting the
talk-around mode, it detects when the subscriber unit has requested
the talk-around mode. Upon making this detection, the system
administrator provides the indication to the monitoring entity.
The process then proceeds to step 84 where the monitoring entity,
which is one of a stand alone computer device, incorporated in the
system administrator, incorporated in the system controller, or
incorporated in another subscriber unit, determines usage of the
talk-around mode by a subscriber unit. The usage is determined
based upon the elapsed time that the subscriber unit was in the
talk-around mode (i.e., the time from when the indication of
talk-around mode was received until the subscriber unit exits the
talk-around mode). The monitoring entity determines that the
subscriber unit has exited the talk-around mode by receiving an end
of talk-around indication, which is part of the talk-around
information, by determining the subscriber unit has requested a
nontalk-around service (e.g. a request for a voice channel), or by
determining that the subscriber unit is turned-off. The elapsed
time is then used to calculate the appropriate fee to charge the
owner of the subscriber unit for the talk-around mode. The fee may
be based on a fixed price per unit of use, which additionally could
vary depending on the time of day of use. For example, if the
talk-around mode is used at midnight, the fee would be less than if
the talk-around mode were used during the day.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for an alternate method for
monitoring the use of the talk-around mode by a subscriber unit.
The process begins at step 90 where a monitoring entity receives an
indication of the talk-around mode selection by a subscriber unit.
The process then proceeds to step 92 where the subscriber unit
monitors its usage of the talk-around mode. Note that step 92 is
only performed when the subscriber unit is monitoring its usage
and/or another subscriber unit's usage of the talk-around mode. The
process next proceeds to step 94 where a determination is made as
to whether the monitoring entity received an end of talk-around
message from the subscriber unit. If not, the monitoring entity
waits until such a message is received.
When the end of talk-around message is received, the process
proceeds to step 96 and 98 simultaneously or executed as
alternative steps. At step 96, the monitoring entity determines
usage of the talk-around mode by the subscriber unit. Such a
determination has been previously discussed with reference to FIGS.
2 and 3. At step 98, the subscriber unit provides a message to the
monitoring entity regarding its usage of the talk-around mode.
Details of how a subscriber unit determines its usage of the
talk-around mode will be discussed subsequently with reference to
FIG. 5. Note that both steps 96 and 98 would be performed when a
redundancy check of the usage is desired.
The process then proceeds to step 100 where the monitoring entity
uses messages from the subscriber unit and/or the determined usage
of talk-around mode to ascertain an appropriate service fee. The
appropriate service fee is obtainable in a variety of ways. For
example, the service fee may be a fixed service fee when the talk
around mode was initiated during a particular period of time, such
that the rates vary depending on the time of day and/or on the day
of the week. As another example, the service fee may be a flat fee
per unit of use, regardless of the time of day of use. As another
example, the service fee may be a flat fee each time the
talk-around mode is entered into, regardless of the duration of the
use. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate,
once the usage of the talk-around mode is detected, the appropriate
service fee can be obtained in a wide variety of ways.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for a subscriber
unit to monitor its usage of the talk-around mode and/or another
subscriber unit's usage of the talk-around mode. The process begins
at step 110 where the subscriber unit detects its selection of the
talk-around mode and/or detects another unit's selection of the
talk-around mode. A subscriber unit detects its selection of the
talk-around mode via a talk-around mode input device (e.g. keypad,
selector switch, etc.), while it detects the selection of the
talk-around mode of other subscriber units based on being in the
same talk-around communication or receiving control signaling from
the other subscriber units. The process then proceeds to step 112
where the subscriber unit monitors its usage of the talk-around
mode and/or the usage of another subscriber unit. Such monitoring
is done based on an elapsed time of being in the talk-around mode,
elapsed time of actual talk-around communications, or a quantity of
talk-around transmissions initiated. For example, when the usage is
determined based on the elapsed time, the duration from the
selection of the talk-around mode to the de-selection of the talk
around mode (or selection of another mode) is the usage value. As
another example, when the usage is determined based on the elapsed
time of talk-around communications, the subscriber unit only stores
the amount of time that the parties are actually communicating in
the talk-around mode. As yet another example, when the usage is
determined on the quantity of the talk-around transmissions, the
subscriber unit detects activation of the push-to-talk (PTT) button
while in the talk-around mode and quantifies the number of
activations of the PTT.
Regardless of how the usage is monitored, the process proceeds to
step 114, where the subscriber unit sends an indication of its
usage of the talk-around mode and/or the usage of another
subscriber unit to the monitoring entity. The indication of usage
typically includes an indication that the subscriber unit has
exited the talk-around mode, the subscriber unit's identification
code, and a usage value. Alternatively, the subscriber unit
provides the indication at periodic intervals, wherein the
indication indicates that the subscriber unit is still using the
talk-around mode and a usage value for the current periodic
interval. As another alternative, the subscriber unit would provide
the indication when polled by the monitoring entity.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for a monitoring
entity to monitor a subscriber unit's usage of a talk-around mode.
The process begins at step 120 where the monitoring entity monitors
for a response regarding the talk-around mode of a subscriber unit.
The response is received by the monitoring entity from the
subscriber unit, a designated subscriber unit, or the system
administrator. The response includes an indication that the
subscriber unit has entered the talk-around mode and exited the
talk-around mode, or an indication of a subscriber unit's usage
value (e.g. total elapsed time, number of talk-around
transmissions, elapsed time of actual talk-around communications).
The process proceeds to step 122, where a determination is made as
to whether such a response was detected. If not, the process waits
until such a response is detected.
Once a response is detected, the process proceeds to step 124. At
step 124, the monitoring entity determines the usage of the
talk-around mode by the subscriber unit. If the response includes a
start of talk-around mode message and an end of talk-around mode
message, the monitoring entity determines the usage of the
talk-around based on the elapsed time between the starting and
ending of the talk-around mode. Note that the starting and ending
messages may be time stamped or the monitoring entity may determine
the times based on when the messages are received. Alternatively,
if the response includes a usage value, the monitoring entity reads
the usage value to obtain the subscriber unit's usage of the
talk-around mode. Regardless of how the monitoring entity obtains
the usage information, it can then calculate an appropriate fee for
the use of such services.
The preceding discussion has presented a method and apparatus for
monitoring the use of a talk-around mode by subscriber units. The
monitoring allows service providers in a shared system to offer a
talk-around service and to collect an appropriate revenue for the
use of such a service. In previous shared communication systems,
service providers either did not offer a talk-around service or
would forego the revenue. In most cases, the service providers
would not offer the talk-around service. With the present
invention, service provides can offer the talk-around service that
many customers are demanding and collect revenues for use of the
talk-around service.
* * * * *